Ribbon-feed-reversing mechanism for type-writing machines



2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

(No Model.)

' J PUSEY RIBBON FEED REVERSING MECHANISM FOR TYPE WRITING MACHINES.

No. 446,886. Patented Feb. 24,1891.

(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

J. PUSEY; RIBBON FEED REVERSING MECHANISM FOR TYPE WRITING MACHINES.

No. 446,886. Patented Feb. 24, 1891.

UNITE STATES PATENT rmcn.

JOSHUA PUSEY, OF LIMA, PENNSYLVANIA.

RlBBON-FEED-REVERSING MECHANISM FOR TYPE-WRITING MACHINES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 446,886, dated February24:, 1891. Application filed November 16, 1889. Serial No. 330,541. (Nomodel.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOSHUA PUSEY, a citizen of the United States,residing at Lima, in the county of Delaware and State ofPennsylvania,haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Ribbonor Belt Reversing Mechanism for Type-Writing and other Machines, ofwhich the following is a full, clear, and exact description, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings, of which-- Figure 1 is a rearelevation of a Remington t e-writer rovided with m invention YD P 3 2the parts not necessary to the understanding of the improvement beingomitted. Fig. 2 is a partial front elevation at the'instant the shaftAand adjuncts have been shifted from the position seen in Fig. 1. Fig. 3is a section, as on line a, Fig. 1. Fig. at is a rear perspective viewof the device (with slight modifications) detach ed from thetype-writer. Fig. 5 is a vertical section of detail of Figs. 1 and 2,and Fig. o of like parts of Fig. 4. Figs. 6, 7, and 8, Sheet 2, areviews of modifications hereinafter referred to.

As broadly stated, it consists in thecombination,inatype-Writingoranalogous machine, with the ribbon spoolsor drums, of a shaft or bar carrying gears adapted to engage with gearson or connected to the ribbon spools or drums, together with devices ormechanism operated independently of said spools or drums from the mainsource of power (such as spring power or the stroke of the fingers ofthe operator upon the keys) for reciprocating said shaft or bar acertain distance at predetermined intervals alternately in oppositedirections, whereby the spools or drums are alternately step bystep orgradually rotated in opposite directions, the one posi-.

tively driven, while the other is turned by the stress of the movingribbon, and so on in continuous alternations, the ribbon thus be- -ingautomatically reversed at the predetermined times.

The invention consists of the following elements or their respectivemechanical equivalents, in combination, to wit: a worm and peculiar.toothed cam-wheel pivoted on an arm or bracket attached to thetype-Writer frame and gearing with said worm, which latter is upon orconnected to the usual rotating and sliding shaft driven from the springwhich operates the carriage of the machine, and which shaft carries thegeardriven by said spring, as also the two gears which engage,respectively and alternately, with gears upon the arbors of theribbon-spools, an arm pivoted on said sliding shaft carrying at its freeend a pin or stud that engages with the cam of said cam-wheel, togetherwith springs or a spring arranged to bear against collars or shouldersupon said shaft, the construction and operation being such that whilethe shaft rotates always in one direction it is caused by the said worm,cam, &c., to be reciprocated longitudinally, so that the gears whichengage those upon the ribbon-spool arbors are brought alternately intoengagement, the space between the respective gears of the shaft and ofthe spool-arbors being instantly traversed by the action of said springsor spring in alternate directions, and which springs are made active,or, so to say, wound up by the continued operation of the cam as thesaid cam-wheel rotates, whereby the ribbon is caused to travel first inone direction and then in the opposite direction-that is, to be wound upfirst on the one spool, then on the other, and so in continuoussuccession, as hereinafter fully described.

The invention consists, also, in certain details of construction, whichwill be clearly pointed out.

The annexed drawings represent the device as applied to the Remingtontype-writer. As this machine is in wide use and is well known, I haveshown only such portions thereof as are requisite to an understanding ofthe present improvement.

A, Figs. 1, 2,and 3, marks the usual sliding shaft, whose bevel-gears aa Figs. 1 and 2, are caused to engage, alternately, the correspondinggears b b on the ends of the arbors d d of the ribbon-spools D. Thisshaft is rotated always in one direction, step by step, as thetype-writer is operated, by the springactuated let-off wheel E, Figs.land 2, (to which is secured the strap 6, that is connected to thecarriage of the machine,) the journal of which has a gear 6 whichengages With a gear a Figs. 1 and 2, on the shaft A. As type-writers ofthe class mentioned are now constructed, this shaft is adapted to beshifted longitudinally in its bearings byhand-that is, by pushing orpulling the free end thereof, as may be necessaryin order to cause theengagement of the gears thereon, respectively, with those of thespool-arbors,thereby effecting the reversal of the direction of movementof the ribbon by winding the same off the full spool onto the emptyspool. Now it frequently happens that the ribbon is wound up on one ofthe spools-i. 0., comes to a stopand, the operator failing at first toobserve the fact, not only does a strain come upon the machine and theribbon, but the type continues to strike the ribbon at the same spotrepeatedly. Consequently the printing during this period until thecondition is discovered is quite indistinct, and the operator shifts theshaft A to reverse the movement of the ribbon.

I shall now proceed to describe my device with relation to the shaft A,or, rather, in the present instance, to a prolongation of one end of thesame.

F is an L-shaped bracket attached to the frame of the typewriter, havinga vertical limb f, bifurcated at its upper end, as seen. so as to formbearingsf for the shaft A and for the reception and lateral retention ofa worm G. This part of the shaft has a groove 7!. and the worm acorresponding interior spline 71., Figs. 1 and 2, so that while the wormshall rotate with the shaft the latter may slide longitudiuall y withinit. The worm engages with teeth in the periphery of a wheel I, whichturns on a pivot-pin j in the bracket-limb f. In the face of this wheelis an eccentric cam or cam-groove K of the form shown, with two oppositestraight channels 7; connecting the two halves or parts of said groove.These channels, when performing their designed function, are alwaysparallel with the shaft A, as will hereinafter appear. An arm L, pivotedon shaft A, between collars Z extends down over part of the face ofwheel I and has atits lower end a stud M, preferably a screwstud, sothat it may be adjusted with relation to the cam, whose inner extremityengages with said arm. A lug Z projecting laterally from thebracket-limb f over the arm L, holds it in place-that is, prevents itfrom being swung outwardly away from the cam by the friction of rotationof shaftA-and so keeps the studin engagement with the cam.

A horizontal arm f extending from the limb f, has attached thereto twosimilar springs S S, Figs. 1 and 2, (or it may be a single spring, ashereinafter explained.) whose upper or free ends are arranged to engagealternately or bear against shoulders s s on shaft A.

ljlaving described the construction and arrangement of the mechanism, Ishall now proceed to explain the modus opcrcmdzi, premising that in Fig.1, (as in Fig. 4,) the view is taken at the instant the shaft A is aboutto be shifted to cause the reversal of the direction of movement of theribbonthat is to say, just as the teeth of gear a on the shaft will bebrought into engagement with those of the adjacent gear I) of theribbon-spool arbor. It will be observed that the spring S is flexed andpotential and bears against the shoulder 8 while its fellow S is idle.The stud M is in line with one of the channels 76' of the cam. At thisinstant the recoil of the spring S pushes outwardly the shaft A, andwith it the arm L, and the stud slides along the channel until it isstopped by the outer edge or wall of the same. (See Fig. 2.) The throwis sufiicient to bring the gears a b into engagement, or, in otherwords, the space between the two gears is somewhat more than bridged.This must be done practically instantaneously in type writting machineswherein the movement of the ribbon, &c.,is so very slow. \Vhile thethrow given to shaft A is such as to cause the engagement of the gearssufliciently to produce the rotation of the ribbonspool as said shaft isrotated, yet it is not sufficient to engage them to the full extent ordepth of their teeth. If it were notnecessary to potentialize the otherspring S in order at the proper predetermined mo ment to cause a reverseshifting of the shaft, itwould be immaterial whether the gears wereengaged to their full extent or not; but in order to accomplish thisresult of potentializing said spring the cam is so curved out from thecenter of wheel I, as shown, that as the latter continues its rotationthe stud M of arm L will be forced to take a path which compels theshaft A, with its shoulders s 8, still farther outwardly, thus of coursebringing the teeth of gears a (2 into deeper engagement. At the sametime the shoulder 5', bearing against the spring S, bends the latteroutwardly and continues to thus, so to say, wind itup until the rotationof the cam-wheel brings the other channel of the cam opposite stud M,whereupon said spring S forces the stud, arm L, and shaft A inwardly,and thus releases the gears a l) and brings the corresponding gears ainto engagement, and thereby causes the reversal of the direction ofmovement of the ribbon. As the cam-wheel continues to revolve, theportion of the cam then traversed by the stud brings the last-mentionedgears into fuller engagement and sets the first spring S, and so on incontinuous repetition. It will of course be understood that the relationof the worm and the teeth on the cam-wheel and the length of the ribbonis such that the reversal of movement takes place near each end of thelatter alternately.

I have described my device or mechanism as a permanent part or connection of the typewriter or other machine. I, however, sometimes makethe device as an attachment adapted to be applied to and detached fromthe typewriters as they are now constructcdand in use. This constructionis shown in the drawings detached in Fig. 4. The bracket F, to thevertical limb f of which the cam-Wheel is pivoted, has a horizontal limbf slotted at the end, as shown, so as to fit not too closely over thecross-bar 92, .Figs. l and 2, of the frame of the typ'ewriter, to whichit (the bracket) is secured by means of a thumbscrew f. The shaft A A,Fig. 4, which carries the worm, &e and which is practically an extensionof shaft A, is enlarged at the innerend and has asoeket P, adapted tonearly receive the free end of shaft A. A set-screw h serves to hold thelatter in place and preventit from turning in said socket. Of course itwill be understood that the dimensionsand but one spring S Sand bringthe shoulders s s closer together. It is practically immaterial whethera single spring or two independent springs are employed. In this beadcamconstruction the stud M travels or bears against the outer edge of onehalf or are of the cam-that is, the lower half, as in the position shownin Fig. 4and against the inner edge of the other or upper are as thewheel revolves.

. I do not limit myself to the precise construction shown, as anyintelligent and competent mechanic can vary the same without departingfrom the principles of the invention.

By the use of the word gears ,I do not wish to be understood asconfining myself to toothed wheels; but it is intended to include anysuitable well-known devices for imparting or conveying motion which comeunder that category in its broad terms.

I remark that in some instances, where it is not necessary that theshaft A (or A A) shall be shifted a considerable distanceinstantaneously, the channels is may be inclined, so as to graduallyforce back or forth the stud M, arm L, and the shaft, as shown in Fig.6, or the cam may be a continuous eccentric, as in Fig.7. In such casethe spring or springs would be dispensed with; also in lieu of a springor springs, as S S. a spring controlled or pivoted gravity dog or dogsmay be used for forcing the stud, its arm, and the shaft A the length ofthe channels at the predetermined moment. 'lhis'construction is picturedin Fig. 8, wherein S is a vertical arm or bar corresponding to thespring or springs S S, pivoted on the bracket-arm f its lower end belowthe pivot carrying a heavy weight S This so obviously serves a likepurpose as the said spring or springs that further description is deemedunnecessary.

I may add that my invention is applicable not only to the Remingtontype-writing machines, but also to the Oaligraph and other likemachines. It is moreover applicable to machines other than type writers,wherein it is desirable to reverse at intervals the direction of motionof a ribbon or belt.

Having thus described my invention, I claim-as new and useful and desireto secure by Letters Patent- 1. The combination, with thesupportingframe and the spools or drums mounted thereon, of alongitudinal bar arranged with near relation to said spools or drums,devices on said bar adapted alternately to engage and rotate the shaftsof said spools ordrums, acam adapted to act upon said bar, and mechanismadapted to operate the said cam independently of said shafts, wherebythe cam will shift the bar at predetermined intervals, and the devicesthereon will be actuated at each of said intervals to reverse thedirection of rotation of the spools or drums alternately, substantiallyas described.

2. The combination, with the 1 spools or drums and mechanism forindependently rotating the same, of a shaft or bar carrying gearsadapted to engage with said mechanism, a worm upon said shaft in whichthe latter is adapted to slide, a cam-wheel connected with the shaft andgearing with said worm,.together wit-h mechanism for driving said shaft,its worm, and the cam-wheel, whereby, as the shaft, its worm, and thecam-wheel rotate, the shaft is shifted at predetermined intervals, andthe gears thereon are actuated to reverse the direction of rotation ofthe spools ordrums alternately, substantially as described.

3. The combination, with the spools and mechanism for rotating the same,of a shaft or bar carrying gears adapted to engage with said mechanisnnacam-wheel connected with said shaft and provided with the channels it,mechanism for driving said cam, and a pressure device acting againstsaid shaft, whereby, as the cam rotates, the shaft is reciprocated bythe action of said cam and pressure device at the predeterminedintervals, and the gears on the shaft are thereupon actuated to reversethe direction of rotation of the spools alternately, substantially asdescribed.

l. The combination, with the spools or drums and mechanism for rotatingthe same, of a shaft or bar carrying devices adapted to engage with saidmechanism, a cam-wheel connected with said shaft and provided with thestraight channels 70, the spring or springs adapted to bear againstshoulders on said shaft, together with mechanism for driving said cam,whereby, as the cam rotates, the shaft is reciprocated by the action ofsaid cam and spring or springs at the predetermined intervals, and thedevices on the shaft are there upon actuated to reverse the direction ofrotation of the ribbon-spools alternately, substantially asdescribed.

5. In a mechanism for reversing the direction of movements of theribbons of type writing and analogous machines, the combination of thesliding shaft adapted to be r0-= tated from the main source of power,the gears a a thereon, the ribbon-spools provided with the gears 1) bthe worm on said shaft, the supporting-bracket, the wheel I, providedwith the cam and the channels 7;, the arm L, pivoted on said shaft andhaving the stud engaging with said cam and channels, together with thesprings or spring whose free ends bear against the shoulders on saidshaft, all coi'istructed and adapted to operate substantially as and forthe purpose described.

6. The ribbon-reversing attachment adapted tobe applied to typeavritingmachines of the character mentioned, consisting of the combination ofthe bracket F, provided with the arm f", means, substantially as shown,for securing said arm to the frame of the typewriter, the sliding shaftA A, journaled on said brackctaud adapted to be secured to the end ofthe shaft A of the type-writer, the wheel I, pivoted on thebracket andprovided with the cam K, with channels 79, the arm L, pivoted on'theshaft A A and having the stud M, engaging with said cam and channels,the worm upon shaft AA, engaging with the cam-wheel, together with thespring secured to said bracket, having its free end bearing againstshoulders on said shaft, substantially as and for the purpose described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature this 15th dayof November, A. D. 1889.

JOSHUA PUSEY.

TVitnesses:

FRANCIS G. GALLAGHER, JOHN NOLAN.

